Homeopathic vs. Naturopathic- Q's and Advice, Please

fischee · Post by **fischee** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 4:45 am

Has anyone had experience with a homeopathic physician? If so, did it help, and how acute is/was your anxiety?

I just found a licenced naturopathic doctor (herbs/supplements) in my area who is also certified and specializes in homeopathy (Bach Flower/pellets(?)). I really don't know if I should make a consult for naturopathy or homeopathy. Although $ isn't a huge issue since my health is priceless, the initial consult for naturopathy is $140, while the consult for homeopathy is $360. I guess I really just want to be diagnosed correctly the first time.

I feel like I've made significant progress (no more ambien cr or zoloft

) but am still taking .5-.3/4 mgs. klono 2x daily. My instinct is to start with the vitamins/supplements (I am taking vitamins that my pharmacist has recommended as I've tapered off other meds), since I'm still taking Rx and having some challenges.

Although I believe in homeopathy, it seems like this method is for people with less acute anxiety symptoms, but I really don't know??? Plus, I guess it's more foreign to me... I've grown up taking vitamins/supplements.

I really don't know what to do and would like some advice before I call to make an appointment.
Thanks in advance!
fischee

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:34 am

Well I've been into natural healing for over 20 years and currently do on-line consulting, and haven't heard of the two being separated. Natural healing is natural healing. That sounds very expensive to me. The Naturopathic Doctor I've studied under also has her PHD in homeopathy and she charges $60 for a consultation, but we probably live in a smaller area than you do. Of course the $60 doesn't include your supplements. I'd be certain to see just what you're getting for the cost, because that seems pretty steep. Also be aware that there are many homeopathic physicians that stay with old school teachings and believe one remedy is all you need per treatment. Recently I had a gal take 6 remedies in one day to pull her out of an issue. Some of the old school homeopaths continue to stick with a 'one remedy' mentality even though our world has continued to get more and more toxic. A number of years ago a gal called me and wondered why the treatment from her homeopath wasn't working....and I found he had given her one remedy and told her it would work for 6 months. Make sure you do some thorough checking on what you receive for the cost and whether your supplements / remedies are included. Natural healing is the only way to go with anxiety disorder, and everything health wise for that matter (my opinion), but you need to make sure you aren't searching and spending for years until you find someone that really knows their stuff and is more concerned with your health than their pocket book. Blessings to you as you seek further help ~

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:46 am

Further - I wanted to clarify that homeopathy definitely is NOT for people with less acute symptomology. It works for VERY acute symptomology ALL the time and also works for less acute as well. It works for everything. When taking a person through healing a program becomes a variety of supplementation, homeopathic remedies and essential oils, and from experience I find using a variety of energies is most effective. That's why it's confusing to me that you say you pay for one or the other, as far as a consult. Different part of the country no doubt.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:49 am

fischee:

It's timely that you posted this today. I have an appointment with a naturopathy doctor later this week. I was (and still am) a little skeptical about it, but I really want some relief from anxiety as well as other symptoms. The doctor I'm seeing charges $220 for a 90 minute consultation. It does seem high, but then again 90 minutes is a long time to spend with a doctor. If you'd like, I'll let you know how it goes. Concerning your original question, I'm not sure what the difference is between the two kinds of doctors.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 12:44 pm

Thank-you both for your responses. This is the bio and website for the N.D. that I plan to see: <A HREF="http://www.heartlandnaturopathic.com/drbradley.htm" TARGET=_blank>www.heartlandnaturopathic.com/drbradley.htm</A>
I'd be curious to know your opinion of his credentials- if you have the time.

The consult for homeopathic consult is 3 hours long, and I do not believe it includes the remedies/pellets. In addition to the typical symptoms and current meds, there is an extensive personality profile to be answered (this is also on the website), as the remedies are directly related to symptoms AND emotions (am I understanding this correctly?). And, yes, I FULLY agree that natural is the way to go; I'm sick (literally) of feeling toxic from prescription meds.

I'm also grateful that you clarified homeopathic is equally effective to naturopathic. I was really confused about this (still am a little). For instance, I've had more success with passion flower than the Bach flower rescue remedy (longer lasting)... does this make sense?

I would most definitly like to hear more about your experience, Inner Peace. If you go to the homepage of the above website there is a pretty comprehensive explanation of homeopathy and naturopathy... I know, biased??? But there are links to nationally certified boards that confirm what's on the site.

I think we'd both GREATLY appreciate your expertise, Michigan Mom. I'm tired of being "taken" and paying for things that don't work.

Thanks again for taking time to answer my questions and post a response!
fischee

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 1:29 pm

What is the difference between a naturopathic dr and an herbalist? I saw an herbalist. the consultation was only $25 But the full body scan thing they do is $150 and the herbal supplements were expensive. He prescribed me 5 of them. He wanted me to do 25 sessions of acupuncture including his teas and 3 full body scans and that is almost $3000 so i couldn't do that so he just prescribed me herbal supplements. . But in November i will get help paying for the acupuncture and start doing it. . I hope it works!! I heard herbal teas work better than herbal supplement pills. . has anyone ever done accupunture for their anxiety??

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 1:30 pm

Hello Fischee - I checked out the website. I've been helping a friend out in Oregon for the past couple years, and what I have found is the N.D.'s out there ride the fence. Use your discernment and feel him out. They do mean well and there are many kind hearted doctors out there, but for some reason I've found they sit right on the fence and don't budge. Meaning a fence with Medical on one side and Natural on the other. Let me know how things turn out - but as they say - the proof is in the pudding. If his recommendations and program brings about significant changes - wonderful. "You will recognize them by their fruit." Keep that in mind as you progress through healing. God Bless!!

rose_thorn98 · Post by **rose_thorn98** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:03 pm

Good question, Holly!
I don't really know, but here's a guess. I have a cousin who is an herbalist and THINK that while they certainly have to be licensed, they do not have to attend a 4 year college, then med school, and finally residency (???)- HOWEVER, I very well may be WRONG. It also seems like the "educational" requirements vary from state to state- I've found this to be true with massage therapy. That said, education does mean more experience, BUT I've encountered some really stupid "formally" educated people...

I don't know about the body scans- I've heard diff. opinions. Clearly, they're VERY $$$ and, one person I know even called it a body "scam". You're so young, I'd question this?

Specifically, which supplements did he prescribe? Maybe you can PM Michigan Mom and ask her if these are helpful to your conditions?

As for the acupuncture, I had acupuncture in Dec. of '07 and it was an AWFUL experience. I really should have further researched this individual. After telling my massage therapist about it, she recommened the instructor who trained her in massage. I've been seeing him for 3 months and have had significant progress in well-being and reduction of acid reflux (he attributes my haitial hernia to poor posture and is working to correct my alignment).

Oh, I originally went to him for a massage because I wanted to get a "read" on him. I didn't even have to tell him my ailments, he knew from simply touching various strained muscles and from the way my body was "relaxed" on the table- NO, I did not fill out a comprehensive ailment list, so he truly had NO idea.

Also, I never did begin acupuncture (he requires a dr.'s note), but instead he performs acupressure on me. Interestingly, traditional chinese medicine began with acupressure, but then it was discovered more patients could be treated by inserting needles, leaving, and moving on to the next patient before coming back to the original person. However, acupuncture is frequently considered more precise in identifying specific problem points.

Personally, I don't suscribe to all that meridian crap... instead I believe in the skeletal, muscular, and nervous system. Right now my acpressurist is working on the muscles, which in turn are connected to the nervous system. Eventually, my chiropractor will address a full skeletal adjustment. Just my humble opinion- I know others will strongly disagree with this.
Emily

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:09 pm

Thanks Michigan Mom!
Discernment... what an excellent word. I've learned to pray for it every time I see a new physician, and naturally, God has directed me to the "good" ones.

Emily

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:27 pm

I have found what is most effective for addressing anxiety itself, in the natural realm, is GABA, Stress Relief, Valerian Root, Sam e, also essential oils I have used with success is Peace and Calming, Lavender, Grounding, Release, Jasmine It's important to know your source when purchasing products because there is a lot of junk out there...especially in the essential oil realm. The Fire Element is what needs to be balanced being it's over firing, AND the sympathetic nervous system has to be cooled off and the parasympathetic nervous system has to be built back up. Additionally, when we're dealing with anxiety it's considered a stressed condition of the nervous system, meaning it's over working big time. However, depression is considered a weakened state of the nervous system. Anxiety comes first with depression setting in over time. This is because the nervous system moves from a stressed condition to a weakened one. Obviously it would be wonderful to get moving on an effective program while you're still in the anxiety mode, being that arrives before depression sets in. Both are able to be rectified, but balancing anxiety is not as challenging as healing both anxiety AND depression....because if depression has set in the anxiety has been there a LONG time. Night Night - I'm heading to bed now - it's been a long productive day. Blessing ~